Physician Assistant Studies – Program Policies
Academic Standards and Student Progression
Information related to academic standards and student progression are located in the PA Orlando program page in the South College Catalog here.
Requirements and Deadlines for Program Completion
Students must successfully complete all components of the curriculum to be eligible for program completion. The program follows a cohort model, and students are required to complete all courses on schedule with their cohort to remain enrolled.
Remediation
Eligible students who do not meet academic or professional standards will undergo remediation in accordance with program policies, as detailed in the PA Student Handbook provided at the start of the program.
Deceleration
The South College Orlando PA Program does not offer deceleration. Students who withdraw or are dismissed, whether voluntarily or involuntarily, must reapply for admission to a future cohort. Reapplication does not guarantee an interview or acceptance.
Grievances
Students who wish to report a grievance are encouraged to first bring their concerns to program leadership. If the matter is not resolved, students should follow the official grievance procedures outlined on the South College website: https://www.south.edu/student-resources/complaint-and-grievance-processes/.
Appeals
Students who wish to appeal a program decision affecting their academic standing or enrollment must follow the official appeal procedures outlined on the South College website: https://www.south.edu/student-resources/complaint-and-grievance-processes/.
Student Employment
The PA faculty recognizes the rigorous demands of the program and believes that outside employment is incompatible with the level of commitment required for student success. For this reason, students are not permitted to engage in outside employment while enrolled in the PA curriculum. This expectation is communicated during the application and interview process. Students may continue to meet military drill obligations while enrolled.
Students are not permitted to work for the program in any capacity, including as instructional faculty, clinical faculty, or administrative staff at any time. Additionally, students may not be employed by preceptors or health care facilities during their clinical learning rotations.
Student Travel
Curricular Locations
All components of the program will take place within the United States. No international travel is expected or required for any official aspect of the program.
Didactic Phase
The didactic phase of the curriculum is delivered at the South College Orlando campus. On rare occasions, special events may be scheduled at approved off-campus locations within a 75-mile radius of the campus. Students are responsible for arranging their own travel and covering any related expenses.
Clinical Phase
The program partners with clinical sites and preceptors across the United States to provide clinical experiences during the clinical phase. Students should anticipate travel for their supervised clinical practice experiences (SCPEs/clinical rotations) and should not expect guaranteed placements within commuting distance of the Orlando Campus.
Solicitation of Clinical Sites
Clinical learning sites and preceptors are selected and evaluated by the program’s clinical faculty. PA students are not required to solicit or secure their own clinical sites or preceptors. All clinical placements necessary for program completion will be arranged and provided by the program. Students may suggest potential sites or preceptors to the clinical faculty; however, these suggestions are optional, not guaranteed, and must undergo formal review and approval for educational suitability by the clinical team. All student suggestions must be submitted at least four (4) months prior to the scheduled rotation.
Health Services and Insurance
South College does not provide health services. Students are strongly encouraged to establish with a local primary care provider at the start of the program. Students may also seek additional information from the Student Affairs Department.
All PA students are required to maintain health insurance (including hospitalization) for the duration of the program. It is the student’s responsibility to obtain coverage and provide proof of insurance.
- Primary care: Health concerns, including required immunizations, physical exams, and medical clearances, should be addressed with a primary care provider.
- Verification: Students must show proof of compliance with the health policy, including health insurance coverage, within one month of the start of classes. Failure to do so may result in dismissal from the program.
- Ongoing compliance: Students must re-certify their health status, including proof of insurance, prior to beginning the clinical phase. Students may not participate in clinical activities until compliance is confirmed.